Amobi Okugo

Michael Branch has a career storyline unlike any other footballer. Debuting at 17, the Liverpool native was expected to be Everton's own household name as teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United dominated the English footballing landscape. Praised as a generational talent, the pressure placed upon Michael would ultimately contribute toward a diminishing love for the game and an early retirement. Following his exit from the game, Branch would spend some time in prison, yet has since gotten involved with Everton in the Community to provide support in the Liverpool area and has started a business as a fitness and well-being coach. I sat down with the man himself to learn about his career, and now you can listen to my interview with the man himself as Michael opens up about issues pertaining to mental health and player care in football. Be on the lookout for future episodes as Podcasts from the Pitch takes a closer look at player care and transitional resources in modern world football. Enjoy!Instagram: @Podcastsfromthepitch 

Amobi Okugo is challenging the statistics - While it is far from uncommon for retiring athletes to experience challenges in retirement, Okugo has seamlessly transitioned from life as a professional soccer player to the business world as an entrepreneur. You can now listen to my interview with Amobi to learn how he balanced education and a pro career to maximize his potential and find a purpose for himself outside of playing. Be on the lookout for future episodes as Podcasts from the Pitch takes a closer look at player care and transitional resources in modern world football.Instagram: @PodcastsfromthePitch

Frans Hoek is a pioneer in football. A professional goalkeeper before his teenage years, the Dutchman pairs his "from the streets" upbringing with observation to headline his own goalkeeping philosophy. Having written his thesis on the subject, Hoek became an authority on goalkeeping and gathered the attention of Johan Cruyff, becoming the first specialized goalkeeping coach as a part of the icon's Ajax staff. Hoek has continued to exercise his influence to shape the next great generation of goalkeepers - a term he feels is outdated - by working with some of football's most prestigious clubs and national teams. Listen to learn how Hoek emerged as a goalkeeping expert who now balances his knowledge of the position with experiences that help to grow the beautiful game overseas while also serving as an advisor to teams and organizations who aim to make a difference in world football in the future, and learn both his philosophy and life advice as someone with a behind-the-scenes perspective of football at its highest levels. Check out @podcastsfromthepitch for more. 

Another episode in our series focusing on unique projects and initiatives in football, Chase speaks with FC United of Manchester's George Baker. Baker was a founding member of FC United when the club formed in 2005, an action prompted by United fans' increasing disapproval of the historic Premier League club. Baker joins the podcast to discuss the process of founding a club, and explores the impressive development of the club as it balances success on the pitch with a commitment to its fans and a supporter-based ownership structure. Listen in to learn how FC United began as a protest club and emerged as a competitive force in non-league football, serving as the epitome of a football club preserving the environment football fans crave. As always, check out more content at @podcastsfromthepitch and don't hesitate to leave a review! 

Football today is filled with controversy. As part of a new series, this interview serves to present a unique initiative in football today that helps to preserve the world's game. Chase sits down with Leonardo Aleotti, Club Manager of Italian non-professional football club Brera FC and organizer of the FENIX Trophy, a European competition among non-league sides that emphasizes the importance of friendship and the spirit of the game during an era which has witnessed an increased abandonment of the game's original principles in professional football by money-driven owners. Listen to understand how Aleotti developed the project, and what it aims to achieve in the future as well. As always, head over to @podcastsfromthepitch on Instagram for more episode-related content and don't be afraid to leave a review. 

Tune in and relax as Chase sits down with an exciting American talent, Anthony Fontana. Fontana, a Delaware native who rose to prominence through the Philadelphia Union academy system, currently resides in Italy following his ambitious winter transfer to Serie B side Ascoli. The pair detail Fontana's success through a motivational lens, noting the role models and lessons Fontana encountered through his journey to the top. Listen as Fontana recalls his early career experiences, while also focusing on his novel experiences in Italy; from Nutella gelato to making his debut and realizing his dream. Remember to check out @podcastsfromthepitch on Instagram, and enjoy!

Join Chase in learning from Emiliano Marcondes, a Danish-born footballer who has made a name for himself at the notable clubs of FC Nordsjaelland, Brentford, and AFC Bournemouth as an attacking midfielder. Marcondes, who details the difficulties of his upbringing as what he refers to himself as not  a "normal Dane," discusses the details of his career from the beginning as an auspicious young talent to an established regular in one of the world's most prestigious domestic leagues. Listen as Marcondes touches on this, as well as his involvement with a variety of international academies, his advice for young footballers for success in both sport and life, and even which goal celebration Chase is eager for him to try out on the pitch. Let us know what you think at @podcastsfromthepitch on Instagram, and enjoy!

In this episode, Chase sits down to discuss Lee Clark’s adventures as both a player and manager with the man himself. Originally from Newcastle, Clark found himself playing for a collection of English teams, including his boyhood club, before transitioning to a managerial career which has taken him to England, Scotland, Africa, and his current role in Oman. Listen to learn about Clark’s endeavors while also gaining an important perspective on leadership and commanding respect.

Chase is joined by American center-back Ryan Malone, a product of the Division III men’s soccer program at Springfield College in his home state of Massachusetts, who is currently playing with Hansa Rostock in the renowned 2.Bundesliga. The pair chat about Malone’s progression to one of the most esteemed leagues, while also making sure to touch on his future business ventures and even some of his favorite initiation songs! As always, remember to check us out on Instagram, @podcastsfromthepitch, to let us know what you think and ensure you do not miss out on any additional content!

Listen as the now-retired captain of the Finland Mens' National Team captain, Tim Sparv, opens up on a vast range of football-related topics, discussing everything from the academy system in Southampton to the value of being a part of the squad that qualified for Finland's first major tournament and the aspirations which he has for the future. Enjoy the words of one of Finland's greatest footballers! Remember check us out on Instagram, @podcastsfromthepitch, and please let us know what you think of this episode.